Recycling Machine Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $48,623.38 - $60,392.28 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations, Madison, WI
Job Type: PERMANENT FULL TIME
Job Number: 2026-00235
Department: Streets & Urban Forestry
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Comp. Group/Range: 15/02, 15/03, or 15/04
General Description
This is responsible work in the operation of trucks and related mechanical equipment associated with Streets Division maintenance and repair programs and services. Work involves heavy manual labor. Under general supervision, employees follow established routines and procedures as directed.
The designation of Street Machine Operator Trainee will be given to a selected candidate who does not possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or who otherwise lacks all minimum qualifications for the Street Machine Operator 1 classification. A Trainee who does not have a valid CDL at the time of hire will be designated as Trainee Level 1; A Trainee who has a valid CDL at the time of hire will be designated as Trainee Level 2. Trainees will participate in a structured 12- to 15-month training program. Upon successful completion of the program and attainment of all required qualifications, the employee will be reclassified to Street Machine Operator 1.
A selected candidate who possesses a valid CDL and meets all of the minimum qualifications for the Street Machine Operator 1 classification will be hired as a Street Machine Operator 1; to be determined at the time of hire.
Starting pay for Street Machine Operator Trainee Level 1 (Public Works Laborer classification) will be $48,623.38 per year.
Starting pay for Street Machine Operator Trainee Level 2 (Street and Sewer Maintenance Worker 1 classification) will be $57,862.22 per year.
Starting pay for Street Machine Operator 1 will be $60,392.28 per year.
Employees in this position will be expected to show up for 50% or more of overtime snow and ice shifts. Employees could be expected to work overnight shifts (11:00 pm to 7:00 am) from Sunday evening through Friday morning during the months of December, January, and February.
Outside of the Winter months, regular work hours are 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Current recruitment is to fill nine (9) vacant positionsAn eligible list will be created from this recruitment to fill any future vacancies that may occur in this classification in the next six (6) monthsAPPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE. HOWEVER, THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY BEGIN PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE BASED UPON THE NEEDS OF THE STREETS DIVISION.
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the .
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
General Equipment Operation

• Operate automated refuse and recycling trucks.
• Operate semi-automated and rear-loading trucks engaged in the collection of solid waste, recycling, brush, and street maintenance on a daily basis.
• Operate pick-ups and jeeps with pushers or plows attached during seasonal leaf collection and snow removal.
• Operate small gas-powered tools.
• Operate other similar equipment as assigned.
• Lead the work of hourly laborers when assigned together.

Snow and Ice Equipment Operation

• Operate snow plowing trucks and spreading equipment during snow and ice operations. Operate snow removal and maintenance equipment including 1-ton and 5-ton trucks with front plows, wing plows, salting inserts, haul trucks, hand shovels, and snow blowers.
• After training, follow all application guidelines related to the City's salt reduction efforts.

Perform other related work as required
Minimum Qualifications
To be hired as a Street Machine Operator Trainee:

• Three (3) months of experience as a City of Madison seasonal laborer and eligible for rehire.

-OR-

• Six (6) months of equivalent public works, landscaping, or construction experience including varied manual tasks.

To be hired as a Street Machine Operator 1:

• One (1) year of experience in the operation of large vehicles such as dump trucks and/or recycling or refuse trucks.

-OR-

• Six (6) months of experience performing heavy manual or maintenance work, including or supplemented by three (3) months of experience with the City of Madison Streets Division.

If an applicant does not possess the experience listed above, HR will review the application materials to determine if the applicant possesses the following equivalent experience:
Familiarity with the following:

• Principles of automotive operation, including large trucks and the laws and ordinances regulating such operation.
• Tools, methods, and materials commonly used in street repair and maintenance activities.
• Related safety precautions.
• Engaging in strenuous physical labor such as lifting, raking, and shoveling on a repetitive basis and to perform such work in adverse weather conditions.
• Minor repairs and adjustments to the equipment.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Operating a two-way radio equipment and following route maps.
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Operating various types of directly related (greater than one ton) automotive equipment in a safe and effective manner.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the
Special Requirements

• To be hired as a Street Machine Operator 1: Possession of a valid Class B Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License as of the start date of employment.
• To be hired as a Street Machine Operator Trainee: Possession of a valid Class B Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Permit. The successful candidate must have passed the written portion of the relevant Department of Transportation testing process before starting employment. A condition of continued employment is passage of the skills portion of the test and obtaining the required operator's license within a specified timeframe.

Applicant's Driving Record
An applicant's driving record will be evaluated. Any one of the items listed below will disqualify an applicant from further consideration:

• Six (6) or more points against an applicant's driving license
• Conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the past five (5) years
• One (1) operating while intoxicated (OWI) conviction against a driver's CDL
• One (1) revocation within the last 12 months
• Four (4) or more moving violations within the last five (5) years (including at least 1 moving violation in the last 2 years)

If an applicant has held a driver's license in another state in the past five (5) years, the applicant must provide a copy of their driving record abstract from that state.
Physical Requirements:
Employees in this position must be able to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds frequently and must be capable of lifting 100 pounds maximum weight. In addition, they must be able to frequently bend, twist, squat, climb, and reach for extended periods of time. This position requires a high percentage of work outdoors in all types of weather.
*Payroll title for these positions will be either Street Machine Operator 1, Street and Sewer Maintenance Worker 1, or Public Works Laborer
The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.
Compensation
The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.
Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our for more information.
Leave
Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.
0-3 years 10 work days of vacation
After 3 years 12-1/2 days
After 7 years 15 days
After 11 years 17-1/2 days
After 15 years 20 days
After 19 years 25 days
After 27 years 27 days
Employees earn 3.5 personal days in addition to vacation.
Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 3 paid leave days (the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve).
Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.
Retirement
The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
Insurance
The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Income Continuation Insurance (for short and long-term disability)
• Long Term Care Insurance

Other Benefits
The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including:
• 457(b) deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bus Pass on Madison Metro
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Employer-paid Training
01
Do you currently possess a valid class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have at least one (1) year of experience in the operation of large vehicles such as dump trucks and/or recycling or refuse trucks? (Important: If you answer "Yes" to this question, please include relevant details in the Work Experience section of your application.)

• Yes
• No

03
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please describe your experience operating large vehicles.
04
Do you have at least six (6) months of experience performing heavy manual or maintenance work? (Important: If you answer "Yes" to this question, please include relevant details in the Work Experience section of your application.)

• Yes
• No

05
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please describe your experience performing heavy manual or maintenance work.
06
Do you have at least three (3) months of experience with the City of Madison in a position performing manual labor or maintenance work? (For example: seasonal Laborer; Public Works Laborer, Street and Sewer Maintenance Worker, etc.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question